Zoology and wildlife conservation

Extraordinary preservation in a new vertebrate assemblage from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia

Article Abstract:

The Ukhaa Tolgod region, Gobi Desert, Mongolia, contains a large number of vertebrate fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period. There are about 100 dinosaur articulated skeleton fossils and many nests containing the initial discovery of theropod dinosaur embryos. Skulls of almost 400 mammals and lizards and skeletons of Mononykus, a bird, have been found. Most of the mammals are multituberculates. A large number of different small vertebrates are also seen. The rapid burial of animals after sudden death in arid conditions probably after sandstorms are the reason for the excellent preservation and abundance of fossils.

Flightless bird from the Cretaceous of Mongolia

Article Abstract:

The discovery two specimens of a flightless bird from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia is reported. The flightless bird was classified under a new genus and species, Mononychus olecranus. It is an avialian theropod dinosaur with a short, robust forelimb bearing a single stout claw. A carinate sternum, reduced fibula and other features mark it as a closer relative of modern birds than Archeopteryx lithographica.

The skull of a relative of the stem-group bird Mononykus

Article Abstract:

Scientific research has established a new taxonomy group to cater for Alvarezsaurid organisms that lived in the Late Cretaceous period. Skills found in the Gobi desert, Mongolia, indicate that the Alvarezsaurids may have been birds. A classification diagram depicting the Alvarezsauridae taxon's position in relation to other bird-type species is illustrated.